Today, what do you think of when you think of Harlem? Will the future Harlem still resonate its past? Together, we’ll explore this question while reflecting on Harlem’s unique cultural heritage, its built environment, and its social fabric with an eye toward what’s to come. Join us and connect with a larger community that seeks to preserve its cultural and architectural legacies. An engaging day of dialogue includes keynote speakers, panel discussions, a film screening titled “Gentrified” and walking tours.

Opening remarks will be given by Manhattan Borough President Gale A Brewer. The keynote speaker Chris Fair of Resonance Consultancy will deliver his speech “The Power of Place”. Michael Henry Adams, who is a local author and architectural historian, will do closing remarks.

THE PANELS:

Considering Harlem’s cultural heritage panel, experts will evaluate the cultural brand of Harlem, which has attracted global attention, and reflect on whether it now represents the community as a whole. On the topic of the built environment, panelists will discuss retaining identity and a sense of place, as defined by the physical environment, cultural legacy, and inhabitants, the effectiveness of working with landmarks designation, building community activism and forging private-public partnerships while also adapting to growth and development. And lastly for the community’s social fabric, using the church as a microcosm of a community in transition, leaders from Harlem’s churches will consider how contemporary needs and uses may revitalize and breathe new life into Harlem’s historic church buildings.

The Cultural Heritage panel will be moderated by Terrance McKnight, host on WQXR Radio.

CONFERENCE SPONSORS include West Harlem Community Preservation Organization, Historic Districts Council, City Council Member Mark Levine, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, The City College of New York, SAVE Harlem Now! The New York City Landmarks Conservancy, Mount Morris Park Community Improvement Association, Landmark West!, Manhattan Community Boards 9 and 10, The Audubon Park Alliance. Harlem Business Alliance, Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Harlem One Stop, WE ACT Environmental Justice, West Harlem Development Corporation

Funded in part by Historic District Council and City Council Member Mark Levine

ABOUT WEST HARLEM COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ORGANIZATION

Founded in 1996, West Harlem Community Preservation Organization is a non-profit grassroots volunteer organization which seeks to bring together the many and varied community organizations–to resolve issues, advocate for public services, and celebrate our unique and diverse community in West Harlem. www.westharlemcpo.org

ABOUT HISTORIC DISTRICTS COUNCIL

The Historic District Council’s mission is to ensure the preservation of significant historic neighborhoods, buildings and public spaces in New York City, uphold the integrity of New York City’s Landmarks Law, and further the preservation ethic. They work directly with people who care about our city’s historic neighborhoods and buildings, and represent a constituency of over 500 local community organizations across all five boroughs. West Harlem’s, Hamilton Heights is pleased to have been chosen this year as one the Council’s, “Six to Save,” historic communities. www.hdc.org